Sawa For Development


Mission and objectives

1. Providing relief to vulnerable communities in Lebanon.
   Implementing projects to enhance infrastructure and essential services, including water, sanitation, and electricity.
2. Supporting healthcare and education sectors.
3. Encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting local economy projects through vocational training for youth and job seekers.
4. Organising awareness campaigns on health, environmental issues, and rights to promote community participation.
5. Preparing for and responding to emergencies such as natural disasters or conflicts through emergency support and reconstruction efforts.
6. Working with individuals and communities through holistic interventions to build a society grounded in democracy, pluralism, citizenship, and human rights.

Main activities with youth

• Preparing daily Iftar meals and distributing them to needy families.
• Data collection in informal settlements.
• Distribution of food rations to needy families.
• Education of children, where administration is handled by the older age group and execution, teaching, and direct interaction with children are managed by the younger age group.

Their story

Sawa for Development was founded as a spontaneous initiative by local and international activists to support the first 40 Syrian families displaced to northern Lebanon. The initiative emerged in response to the urgent needs of displaced individuals, focusing on providing assistance and fostering solidarity. Over time, it expanded its efforts to support displaced Syrians and refugees in neighbouring countries. Reflecting its collaborative ethos, the organization’s name, “Sawa,” means “together” in Arabic. Its work is driven by the belief that every individual has the right to dignity, freedom, and active participation in their communities.

Constituency

Youth from all nationalities and age groups participate in the initiative’s diverse activities across multiple domains.
The initiative organizes its youth activities in its center, external public places (e.g., streets or parks), or rented internal venues such as hotels or cultural centers.

Current management

The organization coordinates activities for youth aged 16 to 35 from various nationalities. Young managers guide these activities by clarifying goals and approaches while encouraging young people to have agency.

Use of digital tools

Active on social media. They use WhatsApp for communication with volunteers.